Rock Island District / Missions / Recreation / Mississippi River Project / Recreation / Mississippi River Visitor Center / Directions

Please click the above image to view the Arsenal Island Map

The Mississippi River Visitor Center is located on the west end of the Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island, IL. Due to our Visitor Center being located on a military installation ALL VISITORS MUST BE ISSUED A PASS ONTO THE ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL. You will need to pass a security background check to enter the island. All visitors will need to use the Moline entrance near I-74.  When you arrive near the gate turn right and proceed to the Visitor Control Center (open weekdays 7 a.m.-3 p.m.). The Visitor Control Center can be found at 5309 Prospect Drive, Rock Island, IL 61201. Click here for a GOOGLE MAPS link. You will need to have a valid photo ID. Most state ID or license will work, but having a passport works the best. Rock Island Arsenal Security will walk you through the process. Your vehicle is also subject to search by Arsenal Police. Once you are cleared at the security gate you will continue on Rodman Avenue approximately 3 miles, we are the last building on the right. The Mississippi River Visitor Center is located at Bldg. 328, Rodman Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201 on the right, across from the Clock Tower. Click here for a GOOGLE MAPS link.

IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE PLEASE CALL THE VISITOR CONTROL CENTER FOR SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS ON ACCESSING THE ISLAND: 309-782-1337. More information about Rock Island Arsenal Access can be found HERE.

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 Moline Gate - Moline, IL: Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Visitor Control Center is open weekdays 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed on weekends. 

Visitors can access the Rock Island Arsenal by crossing the Moline Arsenal Bridge located in downtown Moline; this access can be from River Drive westbound or 4th Avenue eastbound.  Once you have crossed the bridge you will arrive at the Moline Gate security checkpoint.  Once through the security gate you will be on Rodman Avenue, continue on Rodman for approximately 3 miles to the other end of the island.  We are located in the last building on the right, Bld. 328-Mississippi River Visitor Center.

 Rock Island Gate - Rock Island, IL:
Weekdays: 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (Outbound only 10:30 p.m. to 12 a.m.)
Weekends: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Closed on federal holidays except Memorial Day and Veterans Day for ceremonies.

Visitors can access the Rock Island Arsenal by crossing the Rock Island Viaduct Bridge off Hwy. 92 in Rock Island, Ill. Once you cross the bridge proceed to the traffic signal and turn right, go under the railroad bridge to the Rock Island Gate checkpoint. Once through security continue to Sylvan Avenue and turn left (just before the water tower), proceed to the traffic signal and turn left onto Rodman Avenue. Continue down Rodman in the right hand lane, the Mississippi River Visitor Center is the last building on the right, building 328.

 Davenport Gate - Davenport, IA:  
Closed until July 2024 due to construction

Monday-Friday from 5:30 a.m. - 8:15 am and 2 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. visitors may access the Rock Island Arsenal from downtown Davenport, Iowa, via 2nd Street by crossing the Government Bridge and immediately turning left at the end of the bridge, this will take you to the Davenport Gate security checkpoint. Once through the security checkpoint the Mississippi River Visitor Center is the first building on the left.

If you are traveling from Davenport, Iowa, and wish to enter the Rock Island Arsenal during any other time than listed above, including weekends, you will need to go across the Government Bridge, go past the Davenport Gate entrance and proceed to the traffic light. Turn left at this light and proceed under the railroad bridge to the Rock Island Gate checkpoint. Once through security continue to Sylvan Avenue and turn left (just before the water tower), proceed to the traffic signal and turn left onto Rodman Avenue. The Mississippi River Visitor Center is the last building on the right, building 328.